The Saturn Return: Demystifying Saturn’s Not-so-scary Check In’s

The Saturn return is a highly touted astrological moment when the planet Saturn returns to the degree and sign that it was during the moment we were born. Being that Saturn is a slower moving planet, it changes signs every 2 1/2 to 3 years, it takes approximately 27 to 29 1/2 years to move back to the place it was during our birth.

Saturn is known as an austere and authoritative planet that makes sure we complete all the tasks at hand that we’ve taken on. It is considered to be the boss or paternal (father figure) because it makes the rules and checks in on everyone to make sure that we are abiding by them.

What you get is what you give when it comes to the karmic planet Saturn. If you are doing the work and carrying out your duties, then you will be rewarded. However, if you aren’t doing your part, Saturn will come and teach you lessons about why it’s important to be responsible. What does this mean? Well, it means that we are experiencing major changes and shifts that are transforming our worlds—hopefully for the better as we go through the many seasons of our lives.

Saturn Returns Are Predictable

So, what is a Saturn return? The first Saturn return—which occurs between the ages of 27 to 29 1/2 years—is a time of embracing adulthood. We are stepping up into the roles that will define our lives for nearly the next three decades until the second Saturn return that occurs in our mid to late 50s. The first Saturn return is when we set up the personal and professional goals that will be key in our 30s and 40s—until we experience the second one.

The second Saturn return occurs in our mid to late 50s and is a time when we are deciding what the next chapter of our life will be. Where and when would we like to retire? Are we living our lives fully? Are we enjoying the fruits of all our labors that we’ve been working on since our first Saturn return? It’s not too late in our lives during the second Saturn return to change the future or direction in which we are headed—which is why it is an extremely important time for all who are experiencing it.

The third Saturn return that we will experience occurs in our 80s. This is a time of reflection. Hopefully, we can look back on a life well-lived with no regrets—knowing that the planet Saturn helped us steer the course to living our truest and most authentic lives with excellence.

To read more about the Saturn Return and what it means for you, specifically, check out Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this Cosmic Rite of Passage by astrologer Lisa Stardust.